Kitchen Assistant

Overview

OPS Nutrition Services Video

Location: Morton Middle

2025-26 School Year

Hours: 6.0 scheduled hours per day, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Work August through May when students are in session.

Reports To: Executive Director, Nutrition Services

Position

Purpose:

Primary responsibilities include assisting with the preparation and service of quality meals to students and staff, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, rotating food stock and supplies, assisting with the dish machine and manual dishwashing, and providing superior customer service.

Nutrition Services Video

• Assist with the preparation, service, and storage of food.
• Assist with the completion of required reports.
• Work with and understand a diverse student population.
• Serve as a positive role model and promote service excellence.
• Assist in following approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within the approved timeline.
• Train in all areas within the kitchen to cross-cover as needed.
• Help monitor portion control, pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food.
• Follow required food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures and HACCP guidelines.
• Demonstrate good personal hygiene and proficiency in reading and communicating in English.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and follow instructions; receive and process verbal information.
• Assist with cleanliness and sanitation of all equipment, serving utensils, and kitchen areas; assist with daily tasks and travel to other schools as requested.

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Excellent attendance and work record required.
• Previous food service and preparation experience preferred.
• Basic arithmetic skills (money, weight, volume, distance).
• Knowledge of safe food handling and food safety practices.
• Strong customer relations and service recovery skills.
• Ability to interact with students, staff, administrators, and diverse communities.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Understanding of OPS mission and how every employee contributes to goals.
• Willingness to travel to other schools when requested.
• Must have or obtain Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification (80%+), complete Kitchen Assistant Training, and maintain certification as required.

• Assist with food preparation, service, and storage.
• Assist with required reports and interact with a diverse student population.
• Contribute to positive role modeling and customer service excellence.
• Recognize reimbursable meals and support service initiatives.
• Follow menu preparation and service protocols within timelines; cross-train in kitchen areas.
• Monitor portion control, pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food.
• Maintain food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures; adhere to HACCP.
• Maintain personal hygiene and good communication; perform duties in English and basic math as needed.
• Operate and maintain equipment safely; follow oral and written instructions.
• Receive and process verbal information; respond to nonverbal cues.
• Complete required certifications and training as specified by the district.

Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

This position may require using office equipment (computer, record-keeping software) and commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, steamers, hot holding cabinets, blenders, food processors, mixers, slicers, can openers, peelers, knives, scales, thermometers). Must comply with OPS guidelines for equipment use.

Local travel will be required.

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Strong organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office, school buildings, and warehouse setting.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds; frequent manual work in a kitchen environment.

Rarely - 1-5% of the time;
Occasionally - 6-33%;
Frequently - 34-66%;
Continuously - 67-100% of the time in an 8-hour day.

Descriptions of standing, walking, sitting,…